Mutare teacher vanishes with $2k exam fees

Richard Gurudza, 31, of Sakubva and is employed by People’s Choice Academy was convicted after a full trial by magistrate Lazarus Murendo.

He was being charged with theft of trust property as defined in Section 113 (2) (d) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.

Five months were, however, suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour with a further two months suspended on condition he restitutes the academy before September 11, 2017.

The remaining seven were then commuted to 350 hours of community service.

Prosecuting, Cuthbert Bhosha informed the court how on the date unknown but between March and April 2017 and at People’s Choice Academy, Gurudza received cash amounting to $1 777 from students for their Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary Level examination fees.

He received a further $56 on May 12 from Yvonne Chakanyuka and he converted the whole amount to his personal use.

The matters only came to light when one parent came to the school to check if his student had paid the exam fees.

The school head, Cosmas Nyatowa, then checked financial records for the money and discovered the money was missing.

A police report was made, leading the arrest of Gurudza who was denying the charges.